Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Last night, I watched the new Harry Potter film at the IMAX. I won't bother writing a long review, because most people who would see it likely already have, but I did really like it. Because the movies lag so far behind the books, I always get mixed up what happens in each edition, so the plot does still retain an element of surprise. In The Order of the Phoenix, Harry has become a full-fledged teenager, moody and angry at the unfairness of the world. During the course of movie, the Hogwarts students come to realize that dark days lie ahead, but both book and movie #5 are more like a preface than an actual battle between good and evil. The acting is superb, and I couldn't help but think how fortunate the casting of Harry, Ron, and Hermione was. All have aged well and stayed true to their literary counterparts, and both Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson have matured into very attractive teens. Unfortunately, the adult member of the Order of the Phoenix don't get much screen time, but are enjoyable nonetheless. Imelda Staunton is perfectly wicked as Dolores Umbridge, a cheerfully cruel administrator sent by the Ministry to keep an eye on Hogwarts.

I have never seen a 3D movie before, and it's not something I'm really into, but the novelty of getting the giant glasses and putting them on for the big battle scene at the end of the movie was a lot of fun.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have to admit, I haven't read any of the Harry Potter books nor have I seen any of the movies. Sometimes I feel like I am missing out on something! I am glad you liked it though.

eileen said...

Funny, because you're a teacher! The kids must talk about it all of the time.